40 Ireland and the Scottish Isles. 



little distance outside Ballycastle along the base of Knocklayde 

 there was fought one of the fiercest and most sanguinary 

 battles of that time. Shane O'Neill, without any justifiable 

 reason, attacked unexpectedly and treacherously the Macdon- 

 nells before the latter could collect their full forces. The army 

 of the Scots was almost exterminated, and the chief and his 

 brother — Sorley Boy — were taken prisoners. James was sent 

 to a castle of O'Neill's at Carrick, in Tyrone, and all ransom 

 refused, while his brother Sorley Boy was sent to Dublin Castle. 

 We cannot omit a reference to Dunluce Castle, which all 

 through the Elizabethan age held an important position in 

 Irish history. Here the eldest son of Sorley Boy — the brave 

 Alexander — defended the castle most heroically against Perrott, 

 the Lord Deputy. Between the Causeway and Ballycastle is 

 the ancient castle of Dunseverick, much older than any we 

 have mentioned, which brings us back to Cormal Cearnach, a 

 Red Branch knight, who resided there. On a hill near to 

 Cushendall is pointed out the grave of Ossian, the great Irish 

 bard and poet. These few references, taken hurriedly, may 

 suffice in the direction I have indicated, and point to the course 

 that should be taken to popularise travel in Ireland, which, 

 added to its scenic beauties, should make our country the 

 favourite resort of travellers. 



The lecture was illustrated by upwards of eighty specially- 

 prepared lantern slides of both Pagan and Christian antiquities 

 and scenery taken during the visit already referred to by Mr. 

 Milligan. 



The cordial thanks of the meeting was accorded to Mr. 

 Milligan on the motion of Dr. Moran, seconded by Mr. Wm. 

 Gray, M.R.I.A. 



